INTERNATIONAL

Arbeloa's Fulham still winless in PL after tense Man Utd draw

📅 September 29, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 7

Latest Result: Fulham 1–1 Manchester United

Fulham played out a dramatic 1–1 draw with Manchester United at Craven Cottage on 20 September in what was their most recent Premier League outing. An own goal by Lisandro Martínez handed the Cottagers an unlikely lead, before a deflected Matheus Cunha strike deep into the second half denied Fulham what would have been their first league win of the campaign. The xG numbers — 1.57 for Fulham versus 1.59 for United — told the story of a very close and competitive contest, with goalkeeper Bernd Leno making a string of excellent saves before being beaten by that fortunate deflection.

How Has the Season Gone So Far?

It has been a difficult start for Fulham under their new head coach. After losing their first three Premier League matches — against Chelsea, Sunderland and Crystal Palace — the draw against United was a step in the right direction, but Arbeloa remains without a Premier League victory five matches into his tenure. The Cottagers did pick up a Carabao Cup win over West Ham between fixtures and have been drawn at home to Crystal Palace in the fourth round of that competition. Their next league game is away at Ipswich Town on 10 October, followed by a home fixture against Hull City on 17 October.

Manager Under Pressure

Reports from earlier in September suggested unrest behind the scenes at Craven Cottage, with sections of the Fulham crowd booing after the 3–2 home defeat to Crystal Palace. Claims emerged that some players were unhappy with Arbeloa's methods, though the Spaniard — a former Real Madrid and Liverpool defender — has insisted his side are creating enough chances and that results will come. Despite the pressure, there is no indication the club has moved to remove him.

Injury News

Captain Tom Cairney continues to be sidelined with an injury and has not featured since early in the season. Right-back Kenny Tete has also been absent due to concussion protocols. Young defender Luc de Fougerolles picked up a knock during the Carabao Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon, and the club has been monitoring him carefully. Ryan Sessegnon was also a doubt heading into the Manchester United game with a groin issue, though Arbeloa indicated the problem was not believed to be serious.

Transfer Talk

Fulham were busy in the summer and on the September deadline day. The club brought in Swedish midfielder Isak Larsson from Eintracht Frankfurt and Austrian defender David Affengruber in a €10 million deal, as well as forward Manuel Ángel, reportedly linked to Real Madrid. Earlier in the summer, Fulham also spent £30 million to sign Dário Charles from Southampton and completed the signing of forward Gonzalo García. On the outgoing side, experienced defender Issa Diop departed for newly promoted Ipswich Town, and midfielder Sasa Lukic also left the club. Young Canadian full-back Luc de Fougerolles joined Real Salt Lake on loan in early September. No new rumours of January transfers have surfaced in the past 48 hours.

Sources

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